But the losses at Wolves and Newcastle were quickly pushed to the back of the mind when John Swift’s free kick from an acute angle after two minutes eluded everyone at the near post, including goalkeeper David Stockdale.

Read More

However, some of the frailties that worried manager Jaap Stam on their travels soon returned as Seagulls equalised within six minutes. Rather than build on their lead, Royals were hustled into errors and allowed Brighton to build pressure.

Anthony Knockaert’s corner appeared to be dealt with by Joey van den Berg, who rose to win the ball in the air. However, he only succeeded in directing the ball straight past Ali Al-Habsi.

John Swift celebrates his goal.

Despite claims that van den Berg received a shove just before making contact, referee Michael Jones was unconvinced and awarded the goal. Van den Berg continued his protest after the restart and was yellow carded - a lapse in discipline that would cost him dear later.

For a while, Brighton continued to press Reading hard, making them hurry their passes and giving winger Knockaert the time and space to cause Jordan Obita plenty of problems.

But Stam’s side rallied and started to dictate possession as the half drew to a close. Only a desperate clearance by Lewis Dunk denied Yann Kermorgant a much-needed goal after Garath McCleary’s cross.

However, for the third game in a row, Reading were caught cold at the beginning of the second half. Sam Baldock pulled the ball back and Knockaert drilled home before Royals’ defence could recover.